The Pill: Are you sure it’s for you?

by Jane Bennett & Alexandra Pope

So what is the Pill, how does it work and what does it do to the body? If not the Pill, then how else can women control their fertility in casual or long-term relationships? Are hormonal implants or injections any better? If you are about to come off the Pill, what are the best ways to reclaim health and wellbeing, and what can you look forward to when your body returns to its own natural rhythms?

While the Pill is taken by most women and girls at some stage in their lives, few realise the disastrous side-effects. Clear links have been made to depression, nausea, headaches and migraines, as well as a loss of libido. Contrary to popular belief, it is not failsafe – around 2 in 10 women conceive while taking the Pill, while others experience difficulties conceiving after coming off the drug. There are also nutritional concerns which can affect the health of subsequent children long after women have stopped taking it.

A groundbreaking book, The Pill is accessible, informed and inspiring. Exploring the physical and psychological repercussions of taking the Pill – from side effects like weight gain and depression to cancer – it also provides a wealth of case studies and information to help women make a more informed choice about contraception.